What Caused This Iconic Giant Sequoia Tree to Topple?

Jan. 9, 2017 - A giant sequoia tree that was barely holding onto life fell down recently during a winter storm. The iconic "Pioneer Cabin" tree was 150 feet tall and was a popular tourist attraction to visitors of Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California because of the tunnel that earlier landowners had carved in its base. At one point, visitors could even drive cars through the tunnel. Unfortunately, the tunnel weakened the tree and may have led it to eventually topple over in the storm.

What Caused This Iconic Giant Sequoia Tree to Topple?

Jan. 9, 2017 - A giant sequoia tree that was barely holding onto life fell down recently during a winter storm. The iconic "Pioneer Cabin" tree was 150 feet tall and was a popular tourist attraction to visitors of Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California because of the tunnel that earlier landowners had carved in its base. At one point, visitors could even drive cars through the tunnel. Unfortunately, the tunnel weakened the tree and may have led it to eventually topple over in the storm.